First, they are yanked off their nesting
beach either as eggs or hatchlings. Then
they are hustled off to Ohio (violating more
than a couple of federal, state and county
laws and ordinances). In Ohio, around 20
hatchlings are given to the Columbus zoo
when the perpetrator realizes he or she is in
over his or her head. Columbus Zoo tries
to find a way to get them back home.
Airlines balk letting them in the cabin.

Ratchet up public interest when dedicated,
and somewhat exasperated, Florida sea
turtle biologist Meghan Conti announces
the plight of the stranded turtles at a news
conference.

Three of the four boat convoy, with air support on a seek
and deploy mission. Photo by U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.

Public contributions of aircraft rides ensues. Number one pick, Executive Jet hosts a fast sleet jet to whisk the 20 threatened loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings to West Palm beach airport on August 28, 2001, where they are greeted by throngs of media & more than a few well wishers who hear of the event from a local radio promotion.

The frequent flier sea turtles bask in the
limelight at the rehab facility -- Marinelife
Center at Juno beach – grabbing a quick
bite and hanging out at their own private
pool overnight to regain their strength for
the next phase: A boat ride to freedom.

The search for the best habitat proves
difficult. A Coast Guard helicopter finds a
patch, but it’s turns out to be too close --
about five miles out -- the young hatchlings
might be swept back to the beach with the
tides.

The flotilla of four boats fan out and keep
looking searching a 10-20 square mile area.

The press chafes at being close to
deadline that afternoon. The pressure
mounts. The wave size increases.

Great news! A helicopter from Florida’s
Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission finds another patch of floating
sarrgassum seaweed about 8 miles east of
Jupiter beach.

The 20 hatchlings finally hit the Atlantic and
will hopefully learn how to survive in the
wild after having their life cycle
interrupted.

They are joined by 118 other wayward
loggerhead hatchlings that had been
recovering at Marinelife Center at Juno Beach acquired from a variety of instances, from nest
examinations, or being found disoriented on a beach and given to the experts at the center.

A lot of effort for 20 hatchlings? You bet, but what a great chance to show the world how
important it is to just leave the critters alone, or call a professional if you find an injured wild
animal or an uncovered egg.

Next step? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to investigate the case as a possible
violation of the Endangered Species Act and Lacy Act.